extraterrestrial

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​tra·​ter·​res·​tri·​al ˌek-strə-tə-ˈre-strē-əl How to pronounce extraterrestrial (audio)
-ˈres-chəl,
-ˈresh-chəl
: originating, existing, or occurring outside the earth or its atmosphere
extraterrestrial life

extraterrestrial

2 of 2

noun

: a being from another world : an extraterrestrial being

Examples of extraterrestrial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
With ‘Waltz into Space’, the Wiener Symphoniker are performing for a potentially extraterrestrial audience for the first time. David Szondy may 25, New Atlas, 25 May 2025 The live-action movie ends with Lilo and Stitch on a spacecraft together, after Stitch has been abducted by an extraterrestrial mad scientist named Jumba (Zach Galifianakis). Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Noun
In September 2023, during a serious investigation into alien bodies, Goldberg actually got up from the Hot Topics table to approach a large screen displaying what appeared to be a deceased extraterrestrial. Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 12 May 2025 Search for extraterrestrials: Could alien life thrive on K2-18b? Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraterrestrial

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1848, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extraterrestrial was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extraterrestrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extraterrestrial. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

extraterrestrial

adjective
ex·​tra·​ter·​res·​tri·​al
ˌek-strə-tə-ˈres-trē-əl
: coming from or existing outside the earth or its atmosphere
extraterrestrial life
extraterrestrial noun

More from Merriam-Webster on extraterrestrial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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